Smart Choices Under the New No-Fault Law | Ann Arbor MI

Under the amended no-fault law, auto consumers will now be required as of July 1, 2020 to make decisions about the level of personal injury protection coverage they wish to purchase for their vehicles.

Auto insurance policies will no longer be required to provide mandatory lifetime coverage as has been the case since the Michigan No-Fault Law was enacted in 1973.

Under the new law, consumers will make selections regarding the level of the coverage they wish to purchase to protect themselves and their families. Although it may be tempting to purchase the lowest level of coverage, this could be catastrophic if you or a family member is injured in a serious motor vehicle accident.

Our office continues to recommend that motorists purchase unlimited personal injury protection coverage. The cost savings do not justify reducing your coverage. We also recommend that given the increased exposure for potential bodily injury lawsuits which could financially devastate motorists if they were at fault in an accident, that motorists purchase very high bodily injury insurance limits to protect themselves from lawsuits. We would recommend a minimum of $500,000.00 of auto liability coverage and the purchase of an umbrella policy which will provide additional liability coverage beyond the retained primary limits. The amount of the umbrella will vary depending on the financial circumstances of the consumer.

It is also important to purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist coverages to protect yourself and your family if you become a victim of a serious accident caused by the fault of another driver who has inadequate insurance under the new law.

If the driver is uninsured, uninsured motorist coverage will provide coverage in place of the at-fault driver and provide compensation to you or your resident family members up to the insurance limits of the amount selected for uninsured motorist coverage. The same principles apply to an underinsured at-fault driver who causes serious injury to you or your family member. We would recommend a purchase of at least $500,000.00 of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage and preferably higher limits if your auto insurer provides higher coverage.

It is best to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney if you have questions regarding Michigan's new No-Fault Law to determine which policy will provide the coverage you need.

If you are an accident victim and have been injured, Logeman, Iafrate & Logeman, P.C., is a personal injury law firm that can help. We have been helping accident victims recover the compensation they need to rebuild their lives and take care of their families for over forty-five years.

Our law firm has helped countless clients throughout Michigan recover losses including: car accidents, uninsured accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, pedestrian accidents, traumatic brain injury, no fault, and more! Please feel free to contact the firm at any time for advice or for help with your personal injury claim.

What changed with Michigan's No-Fault Law in 2020?

As of July 1, 2020, Michigan motorists are no longer required to carry unlimited lifetime personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Instead, consumers can now choose from different levels of PIP coverage, including options to opt out entirely if they have qualifying health insurance.

What level of PIP coverage should I purchase?

We strongly recommend purchasing unlimited personal injury protection coverage. While lower coverage options may seem cost-effective, they could be financially catastrophic if you or a family member suffers serious injuries in a motor vehicle accident. The potential cost savings do not justify the increased risk.

How much liability insurance should I carry?

We recommend a minimum of $500,000 in auto liability coverage to protect yourself from bodily injury lawsuits if you're at fault in an accident. Additionally, consider purchasing an umbrella policy for extra liability protection beyond your primary limits. The umbrella amount should be based on your individual financial circumstances.

What is uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you're injured by a driver with no insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver's insurance is insufficient to cover your damages. Both coverages provide compensation up to your selected policy limits. We recommend at least $500,000 in UM/UIM coverage, or higher if available.

Should I consult an attorney about my auto insurance choices?

Yes, it's advisable to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to understand how Michigan's new No-Fault Law affects you and to determine which policy options will provide adequate coverage for your specific needs and circumstances.